After a back-and-forth game, the BYU women’s soccer team came out with a win on Saturday, beating Gonzaga 3-2.
With this victory, BYU added another game to its undefeated record against Gonzaga, and goalkeeper McKinzie Olson became BYU’s all-time career saves leader.
Although the Cougars outshot the Bulldogs 12-4 in the first half, BYU was unable to capitalize on its opportunities in front of goal, and the score remained 0-0 going into halftime.
Gonzaga came out strong at the beginning of the second half, putting the ball into the back of the net within the first few minutes, giving the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.
BYU quickly retaliated with a goal of its own when senior midfielder Lauren Cosby lofted a ball that sailed over the outstretched arms of Gonzagas’ keeper and into the back of the net.
The Cougars continued to pressure their opponent. The pressure paid off, and only five minutes after Cosby’s goal, sophomore midfielder Kyleigh Royall scored off a cross sent into the box by junior forward Carlee Payne.
In the 81st minute, a Gonzaga defender gave BYU a 3-1 lead after scoring an own goal while attempting to clear the ball.
With only two minutes left to play, Gonzagas’ Cricket Harber took full advantage of some confusion within BYU’s box, sending the ball into the goal.
The Cougars will return to South Field to prepare for their next game on Thursday at 7 p.m. against Loyola Marymount.
